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The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.
George Balanchine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the distinction between self-perception and true self-identity.

George Balanchine's quote illustrates the concept that our self-image is often shaped by how we perceive ourselves rather than who we truly are. The mirror serves as a metaphor for reflection, suggesting that it only shows us an image based on our self-view, not the essence of our being. This invites deeper contemplation on self-identity and the nature of perception.

Themes

Self-PerceptionIdentityReflectionPhilosophySelf-Image

In practice

Example use cases

In a self-help workshop when discussing personal growth.

More from George Balanchine

First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you're very lucky and have said your prayers.
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I don't want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.
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God creates, I do not create. I assemble and I steal everywhere to do it - from what I see, from what the dancers can do, from what others do.
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Most ballet teachers in the United States are terrible. If they were in medicine, everyone would be poisoned.
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One is born to be a dancer. No teacher can work miracles, nor will years of training make a good dancer of an untalented pupil. One may be able to acquire a certain technical facility, but no one can ever 'acquire an exceptional talent.' I have never prided myself on having an unusually gifted pupil. A Pavlova is no one's pupil but God's.
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The pointes for girls, I always say, have to be like an elephant's trunk; strong and yet flexible and soft.
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